Army'901st Infantry Brigade welcomes new commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 27): Army'901st Infantry Brigade welcomes new commander

Another milestone in the history of the 901st Infantry (Spear) Brigade happened last April 10 as the retiring Brig. Gen. Claudio Yucot turned over the command of Bicol’s Philippine Army (PA) brigade to his deputy Lt. Col. Alden Juan Masagca, in a change of command ceremony held in Villa Hermosa, Daraga.

The said ceremony, held at the 901st Brigade’s main headquarters, was attended by Yucot and Masagca’s families, local government and regional office heads and representatives, and their comrades in the armed services including the police, navy and air force. The turn-over was overseen by Maj. Gen. Manolito Orense of the PA’s top brass and Gen. Yucot’s direct commanding officer.

Lt.Col. Masagca has supposedly broken the “jinx” as he becomes the first deputy commander of the 901st to succeed his predecessor and rise to brigade commander. With an impressive record and a reputation as a hardliner accomplishing his given objectives, both Yucot and Orense agreed that Masagca is the clear choice to rise in the chain of command.

Masagca, a career officer since graduating from the Philippine Military Academy’s “Sinagtala” class of 1986, served in many combat zones in the country and gained infamy in contributing to the capture of Abu Sayaff leader Commander Robot in Jolo back in 2005.

However, with all of Masagca’s apparent talents and potential, he does admit that he has pretty big shoes to fill as his predecessor Gen. Yucot is a man who has garnered the respect of not just the army but the local leaders of Bicol.

Brig.Gen. Yucot, who retired effective April 16, has been an active leader, not just in his drive in fighting insurgents but also in his overall efforts in disaster response, civic actions and peace and order maintenance. Yucot is known in the region as a constantly active member of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

In his speech during the change of command ceremony, Masagca did recognize succeeding Yucot as a challenge, but a challenge he’ll willingly and happily take.

“I know General Yucot and I respect him very much. And I will not fail him and his efforts, I will continue to fight and keep the peace here in Bicol as he did,” declared Masagca.

On the other hand, Gen. Yucot has expressed his confidence with his successor. “I feel confident that Alden (Masagca) will do his job well, keep the peace and order, and protect the country from people whose ideals were even rejected by the countries they originated from,” said Gen. Yucot.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301492927961/army-901st-infantry-brigade-welcomes-new-commander